Vazquez: I feel I beat Canelo the first time, that motivates me in my career

Phil Jay 28/08/2014

Mexican fighter Miguel Vazquez defends his IBF lightweight belt for the seventh time on the Mayweather v Maidana 2 bill next month as Mickey Bey steps up for his maiden title shot at 135lbs.

Whilst the ‘The Puppet’ is focusing on taking care of business against Mayweather protégé Bey, Vazquez has also revealed that his pro debut defeat against Canelo Alvarez has formed the basis for much success in his career,

“I know that Mickey Bey is strong and fast. There’s a reason why Mayweather has him on his team. But I feel ready for him and it’s an opportunity to show my fans and the world what I am capable of.

“At times I honestly don’t feel like I get the respect from Mexican fans and I do feel like they owe me a little bit. But that is also because of the lack of publicity from my old company and the lack of high profile fights. This is not only a great opportunity for me to make a big breakthrough in the United States, but also to get the Mexican people behind me fully. I will prove to the world that I am ready.

“I feel that I beat Canelo Alvarez in my pro debut. The second time I fought Canelo was a mistake on my part because I fought at 150 pounds and that’s not where I should be, but the first fight against Canelo I definitely dispute. Those previous fights, including the loss to Timothy Bradley, motivate me very much going into this fight.

“People may complain about my style, but I base my style off the fact that I don’t want to get hit. Thank God that my style has worked for me so far in my career.

“I have a lot of experience going into to this fight against Mickey Bey, but you always have to work hard. It doesn’t matter to me that we are fighting in Bey’s backyard; I have fought in many different places and overcome various obstacles. I always come out on top.”

At 27, Vazquez is approaching the prime of his fighting powers – having reigned a world champion for four years, and needs another big performance against Bey to entice the bigger names in the division for a unification.